After months of speculation Toyota has confirmed that it is heading back to Le Mans in 2012 with an all-new gasoline-hybrid LMP1 race car, taking on the diesel-engined Audis and Peugeots that have dominated the 24 hour race in recent years.

The chassis is being constructed at Toyota's former F1 facility near Cologne in Germany while the powertrain will be built by Toyota in Japan.

It is expected that the new car will be rolled out early in 2012 for an extensive pre-season testing program that will include competing in other endurance races in the build up to Le Mans.

Tadashi Yamashina, Toyota Motor Corporation Senior Managing Officer and Toyota Motorsport Chairman, said: "Toyota has entered Le Mans before, but by using our hybrid technology this time will be a completely new challenge. We want to write a new chapter in the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours, as in the FIA World Endurance Championship, through our use of hybrid technology.

"In addition, we aim to learn from the experience of competing in such a challenging motorsport environment to enhance our production car technology. Le Mans is a legendary race and I would like to thank the ACO and the FIA for their constructive and positive co-operation over the last few months."

Toyota last competed at Le Mans in 1999 when it took pole position and finished second.